Coming soon: Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean newbuild reveals

Virgin Voyages is counting down to its reveal with a daily #shiptease reminder on social media

When Virgin Voyages lays the keel for its first ship later this month, Richard Branson will be on hand to reveal some details. More imminent, Royal Caribbean International plans to unveil more features of its new world's largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas.

For Symphony, undergoing interior outfitting at STX France's Saint-Nazaire yard, Royal Caribbean's VP entertainment Nick Weir has been hinting at some spectacular plans, with mentions of a 'drone swarm' and a 'BIG PLANE' (all caps) plus images of a satellite in space. Hmm ... Is he referring to a show, or how the line will be showing off its fourth Oasis-class vessel?

In any case, Royal Caribbean promises there is 'much more to this ship than her impressive size.' This week, Royal Caribbean president and CEO Michael Bayley and SVP sales, trade support and service Vicki Freed will be briefing media on Symphony of the Seas' amenities and offerings. Watch this space.

Later, on Oct. 31, when Virgin Voyages lays the keel for its newbuild at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente yard, anyone can tune for an event to be streamed live on Facebook and Instagram.

'We have decided to share a few little announcements,' as a Virgin Voyages spokesman put it.